Tuesday, November 23, 2010

STSSA Friends & Family News & Issues 11/23/2010

STSSA Friends & Family News & Issues 11/23/2010


North Korea Reportedly Fires Artillery Near Southhttp://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/11/23/world/asia/AP-AS-Koreas-Tension.html?_r=1&src=twt&twt=nytimes
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Kristian Dennard Jackson & Decarlos Lashawn Young of Detroit, Michigan are facing criminal charges related to the alleged gross abuse of a pitbull in August 2010. They allegedly set the young dog on fire after a failed attempt at hanging her to death. A bystander was reportedly able to videotape this terrible incident with a cell phone camera. Investigators were unable to recover the dog’s body, it is believed that her remains were discarded in the trash and hauled away.

Such cruelty, and indeed the expanse of criminal activity that accompanies dogfighting, demands meaningful justice from the criminal courts, and local citizens are encouraged to actively show their support for this important prosecution.

Take Action!

Please write polite letters to the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney, thanking her office for their earnest and professional work on this case, and encouraging that the maximum penalty be sought upon conviction.

The Honorable Kym L. Worthy, Prosecuting Attorney
Wayne County
Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
1441 St. Antoine Street
12th Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
Fax: 313-224-0974
Contact Online

Local residents are encouraged to support the prosecution by attending the criminal proceedings. A pretrial hearing is currently scheduled for Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 801.

Wayne County Circuit Court, Criminal Division
Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
1441 St. Antoine Street
Detroit, MI 48226
313-224-2506
Case #10-012065-01 - Kristian Dennard Jackson
Case #10-012065-02 - Decarlos Lashawn Young
(Always contact the Court to confirm court dates and locations as they are subject to change.)

Thank you for taking action to keep your animals and communities safe.

For the animals,



Stephen Wells
Executive Director
Animal Legal Defense Fund

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Ontario offer to settle land claim with Fort William First Nation
The Ontario government says talks to resolve a long-standing First Nations land claim in the northwestern part of the province have reached a “major milestone.”

The Canadian and Ontario governments have made an offer to settle a boundary claim with Fort William First Nation near Thunder Bay.

The province announced the proposed settlement in a news release Friday, calling it a “significant step forward.”

The proposal includes about $154 million in financial compensation to be paid to the First Nation, and the transfer to Canada of provincial Crown lands on two islands in Lake Superior — Flatland Island and Pie Island — to be set apart as a reserve.

The chief and council have agreed to take the offer to the community of about 1,880 people for a vote on Jan. 22.

If the vote is in favour, the agreement must be approved by the provincial and federal governments before it can be finalized.

Canada’s share of the compensation money would be about $149 million, while Ontario’s share is about $5 million.

Settlement of the claim would resolve a historic grievance dating back to the early 1850s, the province said.

The boundary claim was submitted to Canada in 1986 and to Ontario in 1987.

As in such agreements elsewhere in Canada, private land is not taken away from anyone to settle any claims, nor is anyone asked to sell their land unwillingly, the release says.

“Like all negotiations, there have been ups and downs, but we have worked tirelessly towards a resolution that will benefit present-day members and future generations,” said Peter Collins, chief of Fort William First Nation.

“The settlement will also provide the resources that our First Nation needs to create businesses, employment and other opportunities for the long term which will benefit our members and the entire Thunder Bay area.”

The federal government has also moved closer to a resolution of the First Nation’s outstanding Neebing Surrender Specific Claim, which involves financial compensation only.

Negotiators for Canada and the First Nation have recently completed a draft agreement in that claim, which includes a payment of about $22 million. That vote is set for Dec. 4.

The Canadian Press
Posted By: TjMaxx Henhawk
To: Members in First Nations & Aboriginal Rights
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NDN News Update Bear Butte issue ~ Oil Drilling, Nov 22nd

Update November 22, 2010

We made progress today with researching the oil drilling near Bear Butte.

Spoke with DNR this morning and expressed concerns about additional public notification and allowing further comments. At this point it will require appealing the decision in court, the only way this will happen is if the Tribes or another entity step up to do it. We now have copies of all the court documents, permits and evidence submitted by Nakota Energy and provided the information to the Tribes to review.

The challenge with this issue is, this is private land and they also own the mineral rights. This is very unusual and gives them an advantage. We are being told, as long as they have a permit to drill, they can proceed. DNR has issued the permit, which is governed by State, which supersedes County regulations. What a mess! This operation is all private, no state or federal monies are being used, so that eliminates other processes they would be required to follow.

Also spoke with USFWS this morning, they had not been consulted with this process. Bear Butte Lake is a National Wildlife Refuge in cooperation with USFWS, the Lake is home for migratory birds and endangered species. They are investigating the info and will get back to me with the outcome if they can do anything.

Spoke with Governor Rounds Senior Advisor today, expressed all the concerns with this issue. He will be discussing the concerns with the Governor and is suppose to be calling me back.

Governor Rounds has been a supporter of the Bear Butte issue for many years and attempted twice to acquire a conservation easement for a property located at Bear Butte. Unfortunately, it was voted down both times. He only has a short period of time left in office, not sure if he will be able to do anything, however at least now he knows there are concerns regarding the public comment period and how this was handled.

Not sure what the outcome of this will be, will follow up with these folks and see how we can proceed.

Will keep everyone posted as I find out more information.

Thank you for your continued support for the Protect Bear Butte efforts.

“Our Sacred Ground, is NOT your playground”

Join our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Protect-Bear-Butte/162126343824501#!/pages/Protect-Bear-Butte/162126343824501

Or visit us at www.protectbearbutte.com & www.protectsacredsites.org

In peace & solidarity,

Tamra

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Your Health Care Dollars
(From the Prez)
The White House, Washington

Good afternoon,
Over the past few years, many Americans have seen their health insurance premiums skyrocket, while the quality of their health care declined. One of the reasons I pushed so hard to pass health care reform this year was to make sure that American consumers get what they pay for when it comes to their health care.
Today, we're launching a new provision of the Affordable Care Act that does exactly that. Next year, insurance companies will be required to spend at least 80 percent of the health insurance premiums you pay on your health care, instead of overhead costs like advertising and executive compensation. If they don't, they will be required to give you a rebate or cut your premiums starting in 2012.
I asked Nancy-Ann DeParle, the Director of the Office of Health Reform here at the White House, to break down what this means for you and why it's so important:
This new rules will make our health care marketplace more transparent and ensure you get the best value for your premium dollars. And it is just one of the many parts of the Affordable Care Act that are already making our health care system stronger. Here are just a few ways the Affordable Care Act is helping you and your family:
HealthCare.gov. This new website helps you find private health insurance coverage that's right for you and your family and now allows you to compare pricing for the options available to you. In 2014, there will be many more affordable private plan choices.
Patient's Bill of Rights. Insurance companies can no longer place lifetime limits on your care. If you're a young adult under the age of 26, you can stay on your parents' plan, and if your child has a pre-existing condition, insurance companies can't deny his or her coverage.
Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. If you have a pre-existing condition and are having a problem finding coverage, the Affordable Care Act created a special insurance plan just for you.
Help for Small Businesses. If you're a small business owner, you may be eligible for tax credits to help provide insurance for your employees.
Free Preventive Care. If you're purchasing a new plan, you’ll get preventive care like cancer screenings, well-baby and well-child check-ups, and blood pressure or diabetes tests for free.
These aren't just talking points. These changes are saving people’s lives and saving you money, and we will continue our work to implement this landmark law and make our health care system better for all of us.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
P.S. Nancy-Ann's video follows a few others from the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Austan Goolsbee, who explains some important economic policies. You can see them all here:
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CherokeeLink Newsletter
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For The HTML Format of the Newsletter:
(Having Problems With The Links? Try this version instead.) http://www.cherokee.org/home.aspx?section=newsletter&Date=11/22/2010
<BR>AOL - <A HREF="http://www.cherokee.org/home.aspx?section=newsletter&Date=11/22/2010">11/22/2010 Newsletter</A>
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Osiyo,

Christmas is fast approaching, and it is time again to "adopt an angel" from the Cherokee Nation Angel Tree in the lobby of the W.W. Keeler Tribal Complex in Tahlequah. The public is invited to come out and adopt angels to help make someone's Christmas a little brighter. Get the details here: http://www.cherokee.org/NewsRoom/FullStory/3410/Page/Default.aspx

Do you use the transit system between Tahlequah and surrounding communities? The "Park and Ride" program makes it very inexpensive to commute to and from areas within the Cherokee Nation. See a complete list of communities and schedules at:http://www.cherokee.org/Services/437/Page/Default.aspx

Cherokee Nation College Resources department can help you find sources for funding including student loans, work-study programs and scholarships. Information on scholarships is available here: http://www.cherokee.org/Services/297/Page/Default.aspx



Wado! (Thank you)
Cherokee Nation
P.O.Box 948
Tahlequah, OK 74465
918 453-5000
communications@cherokee.org

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***Cherokee Nation News***
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Cherokee Nation Develops Virtual Library: 11/19/2010
(C) Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation is in the beginning stages of developing a Virtual Library of Cherokee Knowledge, a web-based system designed to provide Cherokee citizens and the general public access to a comprehensive digital space filled with authentic Cherokee knowledge related to the tribe’s history, language, traditions, culture and leaders.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3409

Cherokee Nation Gives Angels a Merry Christmas: 11/19/2010
(C) Cherokee Nation
Christmas is fast approaching, and it is time again to consider adopting an angel from the Cherokee Nation Angel Tree. The 2010 Cherokee Nation Angel Tree event will kick off with a fun program in the lobby of the main tribal complex Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. The fully decorated Angel Tree will be revealed at that time and the public is invited to come out and adopt angels. There will be music, a benediction and refreshments. Those in attendance will be eligible for door prizes.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3410

Nation Partners with Kenwood Community on Self-Help Project: 11/18/2010 8:10:00 AM
(C) Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation has partnered with the Kenwood Community Association the past few weeks to restore a local property that is much more than just a building to the Kenwood community. Cherokee Nation Community Services group awarded a Community Works grant to the Kenwood community in the amount of $40,000 for the restoration of their community building. This is a self-help project in which community members do a majority of the work with the help of Cherokee Nation employees and other volunteers.

http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3407

Supreme Court Rules Districting Unconstitutional: 11/18/2010
(C) Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation’s Supreme Court has declared the latest plan to create council districts within the Cherokee Nation to be unconstitutional. The court ruled the districts as adopted by the Tribal Council did not meet the Constitutional mandate of having a “reasonably equal division of citizenship among the districts.”
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3408

Cherokee Nation Announces Changes to Sallisaw to Tahlequah Transit Route: 11/17/2010 2:08:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
The KATS Tahlequah/Sallisaw route will no longer be running to Cherokee Casino-Tahlequah and the Cookson United Methodist Church. However, a new stop at the Cherokee Nation Environmental Protection building has been added to the schedule.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3406

Cherokee Nation seeks riders for 2011 Remember the Removal event : 11/17/2010 9:06:00 AM
(C) Cherokee Nation
Cherokee Nation is accepting applications from students wishing to participate in its annual cross-country bike and history trek over the summer of 2011. Next year’s Remember the Removal ride begins the first week of June, and while that may seem far into the future, those wishing to participate in the ride need to apply and start preparing for it now. “It’s a 950 mile ride to teach leadership. Students learn about themselves through a vivid experience and learn to endure,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, who has twice participated in Remember the Removal.

http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3404

Cherokee Challenge Supports Great American Smoke Out: 11/17/2010
(C) Cherokee Nation
While individuals across America are making the effort to stop smoking on Thursday as part of the Great American Smoke Out, people from across the Cherokee Nation and throughout northeastern Oklahoma are taking advantage of the Cherokee Challenge. While much of the focus thus far has been on getting proper exercise and combating obesity, another point is the danger of commercial tobacco use.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3405

Ninth Consecutive Financial Excellence Award for Cherokee Nation: 11/15/2010 3:19:00 PM
(C) Cherokee Nation
For the ninth consecutive year, the Cherokee Nation has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association. This award is given only to those government institutions that have the highest levels of transparency and accountability. A panel of GFOA financial industry experts judges the annual reports of government agencies throughout North America and awards only those who are the most deserving the CAFR.
http://www.cherokee.org/news.aspx?id=3402

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**** Other Links of Interest ****
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Games - http://www.cherokee.org/home.aspx?section=culture&culture=games

Community Calendar - http://www.cherokee.org/home.aspx?section=calendar
RSS Feed - http://rss.cherokee.org
Podcasts - http://podcasts.cherokee.org
E-Cards - http://ecards.cherokee.org
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**** Cultural Tidbits ****
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The jurisdictional area of present Cherokee Nation is made up of lands originally inhabited by the Osage and Quapaw.
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Sarah Palin's Reality
"It's definitely one big cable buy.” That’s how Republican strategist Terry Sullivan characterized Sarah Palin’s new reality show on TLC.
“Sarah Palin’s Alaska” is like a weekly, one-hour TV ad that she’s using to improve her image and boost her political aspirations.
The irony is she’s trying to come off as a nature-loving protector of the great outdoors when in truth she supports climate change deniers and advocates for off-shore drilling.
We need to turn up the pressure and go straight to the paid advertisers of this “reality” show. We need you, our loyal grassroots members, to stand up and demand that these corporate sponsors stop funding Sarah Palin’s 2012 presidential campaign.
Sarah Palin and her PR team think they can manipulate the media to their advantage, creating puff pieces and phony situations to try and convince the American people that this ex-governor is a friend of nature and cares about our environment.
We don’t have to sit around and watch this happen. We can take a stand. So please, join me in fighting back and telling these companies that we know what Palin and her supporters are trying to do, and they shouldn’t be funding it.
Sincerely,
Gene_only_sig_web.gif
Gene Karpinski
President
League of Conservation Voters
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WRFG's Silent Auction - Items/services for the event
As you know, one of WRFG’s fundraising efforts is our annual Silent Auction and it’s coming up soon on December 5 (It’s a fun party as well with music and food! And great items!!).

We are still in need of items however!! If you have any ideas along this line please call me at 404 234 4630, or e-mail me at hmcgray@earthlink.net but also items can be taken to our station and Joan Baptist our station administrator will provide you with the form for tax deductions – the phone number at the station is 404 523 3471.

Below please find the narrative about contributions. But, as in the past if any you have anything political as well we would so appreciate it – pins, posters, books. A few years ago we have a wonderful collection of labor items donated.

Please remember also that your contributions are tax deductible.

Thanks everyone.

Peace,

Heather Gray
WRFG Board of Directors


NAARATIVE ON ITEMS FOR WRFG’S SILENT AUCTION
On Sunday, December 5, WRFG will hold its 18th annual Silent Auction at the historic Trolley Barn in Atlanta’s Inman Park neighborhood. We are asking you to help by donating items, services and tickets that can be auctioned at the event.

What we are seeking from individuals and businesses?

(1) Items such as Autographed Books; Jewelry; Original Paintings; Pottery; Art Prints; Photography; Records, CDs, Cassettes

(2) Services -- Indoor (cleaning, decorating, etc.); Outdoor (yard work, painting, etc.); Personal (hair care, cooking, etc.); Health (massage, aromatherapy, etc.)

(3) Tickets for Meals; Movies; Sporting events; Plays; Concerts, etc.

We would truly appreciate your contribution for our Silent Auction. WRFG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your contribution is tax deductible.

If you would like to contribute, please call our office at 404-523-3471.

We thank you in advance.







--
Nadia Ali, Ph.D.
Co-producer, Just Peace
WRFG 89.3 FM
www.wrfg.org

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Microwave popcorn contains dangerous chemical

by S. L. Baker, features writer

(NaturalNews) Would you like salt, butter -- and a helping of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) with your popcorn? You may say "yes" to the first two ingredients and "certainly not!" to the last one. But the problem is, if you are eating microwaved popcorn or packaged snack foods, you are most likely getting dosed with these potentially toxic chemicals without any choice.

PFCAs, the best known of which is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been found to accumulate in the blood of people, as well as in wildlife, worldwide. PFOAs are the breakdown products of chemicals used to make non-stick and water-resistant and stain-repellant productsthat coat kitchen pans, some clothing and food packaging. In research just reported inEnvironmental Health Perspectives, University of Toronto (U of T) scientists have concluded PFCAs, which are found in virtually all junk food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags, migrate into food and are then ingested by people.

No one knows exactly what the long-term health risks are from exposure to these chemicals. But earlier this year, Japanese scientists at Osaka University published an animal study in the journal Prostaglandins, Leucotrines and Essential Fatty Acids showing that PPCAs impact the function of platelets -- components of blood that are important for regulating bleeding and clotting in the body.

"We suspected that a major source of human PFCA exposure may be the consumption andmetabolism of polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters or PAPs," Jessica D'eon, a graduate student in the U of T Department of Chemistry, said in a statement to the media. "PAPs are applied as grease proofing agents to paper food contact packaging such as fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags."

For their U of T study, D'eon and Scott Mabury, the lead researcher and a professor in the U of T Department of Chemistry, exposed rats to PAPs either orally or by injection. Then the animals were monitored for a period of three weeks to document the concentrations of the PAPs and PFCA metabolites, including PFOA, in their blood. Because human exposure to PAPs was calculated by the scientists in an earlier study, the research team used the PAP concentrations observed in human blood together with the PAP and PFCA concentrations observed in the rats to come up with figures on human PFOA exposure from PAP metabolism.

"We found the concentrations of PFOA from PAP metabolism to be significant and concluded that the metabolism of PAPs could be a major source of human exposure to PFOA, as well as other PFCAs," Mabury said in the press statement. "This discovery is important because we would like to control human chemical exposure, but this is only possible if we understand the source of this exposure."

Mabury pointed out that some people claim the contamination of humans with PFCAs is simply the result of exposure to past chemical exposure, instead of chemicals currently found in food wrappers and home products. But the U of T research shows that's a false assumption.

"In this study we clearly demonstrate that the current use of PAPs in food contact applications does result in human exposure to PFCAs, including PFOA. We cannot tell whether PAPs are the sole source of human PFOA exposure or even the most important, but we can say un equivocally that PAPs are a source and the evidence from this study suggests this could be significant,"Mabury concluded.

Editor's note: NaturalNews is opposed to the use of animals in medical experiments that expose them to harm. We present these findings in protest of the way in which they were acquired.

For more information:
http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...

Firefly (Lilia Adecer Cajilog)
Tawo Seed Carrier
POB 1456
South Pasadena, CA 91031
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GMW: US merchants eyeing Indian agriculture-----iNDIA not too easy to conquer
EXTRACT: It was feared that the Indo-US agricultural treaty would bring Indian agriculture under the direct control of US Corporate houses. The dominance of the American agri-business became clear when it became known that the US supermarket giant Wal-Mart, food giant Cargill and the seed multination Monsanto were on the board of the Indo-US Initiative. All these companies are now well entrenched, ready for the next phase. President Obama is likely to re-energise the dead Indo-US Knowledge Initiative in Agriculture.
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Obama's Visit: US Merchants Eyeing Indian Agriculture
Devinder Sharma
Ground Reality, 5 November 2010
http://www.countercurrents.org/dsharma051110.htm

At a time when America is faced with an economic downtrend, US President Barack Obama comes calling in a few days hoping that India will bail him out of the seemingly unending economic crisis. With a huge business team – more than 200 top business chiefs -- accompanying him, US is expecting to increase it exports to India by at least 400 per cent.

Food and Agriculture is one of the major thrust areas where President Obama is likely to make a strong pitch.

In 2006, the last time the US President visited India, George Bush had formally launched the Rs 1000-crore Indo-US Knowledge Initiative in Agricultural Research and Education, when he made a quick visit to Hyderabad. For years later, in 2010, the Indo-US Knowledge Initiative (KIA) appears to be almost in a cold storage, but after having successfully promoted unwanted US technologies on several farm universities.

This followed from the previous visit of prime minister Manmohan Singh to Washington in 2005. Addressing a joint session of the US Congress during his visit, prime minister had said: “The Green Revolution lifted countless millions above poverty.... I am very happy to say that U.S. President George Bush and I have decided to launch second generation of India-US collaboration in agriculture."

Following the agreement, a team of Indian agricultural scientists visited US in December 2005 to work out the modalities of the programme. It was followed by a return visit by US agricultural scientists, and the entire exercise has been kept confidential and prepared in a hush-hush manner.

It was feared that the Indo-US agricultural treaty would bring Indian agriculture under the direct control of US Corporate houses. The dominance of the American agri-business became clear when it became known that the US supermarket giant Wal-Mart, food giant Cargill and the seed multination Monsanto were on the board of the Indo-US Initiative. All these companies are now well entrenched, ready for the next phase.

President Obama is likely to re-energise the dead Indo-US Knowledge Initiative in Agriculture. Since the agreement is facing un-surmountable hurdles because of the inability of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) to pay for staff travels and technologies being imported, it is likely that the US would push through more collaboration in agricultural scientific research through the US-India Strategic Dialogue.

While collaboration in farm research will pave the way for the entry of US agribusiness multinationals, especially technology companies like Monsanto and Du Pont, the thrust of the US talks is going to be on opening up of the food retail and insurance sector. A few weeks back, President Obama had expressed hope that India would allow FDI in big retail. The G-20 Summit in Toronto some months back had also in its final communiqué decided to lift all hurdles to allow big retail to operate.

As a welcome gesture, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to announce the formal approval for FDI in big retail. It was primarily to justify the need for FDI in retail that the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) had come out with a highly flawed discussion paper to indicate government’s rethinking on the controversial subject. “The agriculture sector needs well functioning markets to drive growth, employment and economic prosperity in rural areas,” the discussion paper said. A number of economists and researchers joined the chorus singing praise for the role the supermarkets can play.

Despite the destruction of farming globally by the supermarkets, the Ministry for Commerce and Industry is gung-ho about allowing foreign direct investment in multi-brand retailing, which means allowing the big players like Wal-Mart and Tesco to swamp the Indian market. Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has time and again spelt out the need to allow FDI in big retail. Ministry for Commerce had even set up a small committee to prepare the ground for its entry.

If the supermarkets were so efficient and provided dynamism, I would like to know why the US is providing a massive subsidy for agriculture. After all, the world biggest retail giant Wal-mart is based in America and it should have helped American farmers to become economically viable. But it did not happen. American farmers have instead been bailed out by the government, providing a subsidy of Rs 12.50 lakh-crore between 1995 and 2009, and this includes direct income support.

The supermarkets have therefore failed the American farmers.

India is therefore importing a failed economic model, which otherwise would help the economic recovery of America.

Entry of the big US food retail signals the complete corporate takeover of Indian agriculture. At a time when the government is busy laying out the infrastructure for the 2nd Green Revolution, which means strengthening agribusiness, a plethora of Indian laws on water, seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, land use policy, contract farming, biodiversity, intellectual property, biotechnology and genetic engineering have either been suitably amended (or are in the process) to facilitate the entry of multinational companies. One of the major thrust areas where Manmohan Singh is expected to assure President Obama of his un-stinted support is the introduction of the controversial genetically engineered crops.

India has already prepared a bill – National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority bill -- awaiting introduction in parliament that allows for a single-window clearance for genetically-modified crops, something that even the US does not allow within its own borders.

In the last few weeks, multinational companies like Monsanto, Wal-Mart and also the US Grain Council has been making a fervent pitch to life the barriers that have come in the way of US exports to India. It is not without reason that the Ministry of Commerce has been seeking fast conclusion of the Doha round of the World Trade Organisation. In the last few weeks, the US has forced Russia to cut down its agricultural subsidies by 50 per cent as a pre-requisite for its entry as a member of the WTO. It is also asking India, Brazil and China to further reduce the industrial tariffs.

India is expected to assure President Obama that it will not press for the reduction of the massive US farm subsidies, especially in cotton, but will provide more market access to US farm goods. All non-trade barriers are being gradually removed, and the US will find it easy to rebuild its sagging economy on the strength of the Indian market.

Indian agriculture provides a sustained market for the US companies. What is good for the commercial interest of the US companies is not necessarily going to be productive for Indian farmers. But then, Manmohan Singh has time and again talked of shifting 70 per cent of the rural population into the urban centres. Bringing agriculture under the yoke of the US business and industry will hasten this population transfer.

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Jesse Ventura Exposes the JFK Assassination Conspiracy Nationally

by Mac McKinney
Jesse Ventura has done a great service to the country in this, the second season of his TV series, Conspiracy Theory. In Episode 5 that just played this past Friday, November 19th, he further hammers home the truth nationally that there was indeed a conspiracy to kill Jack Kennedy. He does so by going beyond the House Select Committee on Assassinations report of 1979 that also concluded there was a conspiracy by providing more concrete evidence, the most crucial being at the end of the episode with the death-bed confession of the famous/infamous intelligence officer, author and Watergate Burglar, E. Howard Hunt, who pointblank states to his son, St. Clair Hunt, who video and audio-taped the confession, that he was indeed part of the assassination conspiracy, code-named The Big Event.
Hunt was about as insider as you can get regarding the inner workings of the clandestine side of the American government, and he was as lucid as ever when he gave this confession. He knew he was dying and didn't want to keep silent any longer about what he knew. The best anyone can say to refute Hunt's confession so far is that his claims have not been substantiated by another investigation, which of course, is not even being contemplated at this point, but this is a distracting argument because the real point it whether Hunt is believable or not. And for a guy as lethal, deadly serious and matter-of-fact as Hunt, to suggest that he was making this up is ludicrous.
Hunt's confession has been online for several years, and I have listened to it several times, hoping against hope that it could get wider play in the media. But It was up to someone of Jesse Ventura's caliber to tie it and the many other loose strands of evidence together to make the most solid case yet nationally that yes indeed, America, there WAS a conspiracy to kill Kennedy, a conspiracy that emanated out of the dark side of the American government.
So consider this a public service on Jesse Ventura's part.
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GOP Push to Shutter TSA Will Bring Blackwater Groping Goons --The Right rampages against airport pat-downs while supporting military tribunals, secret 'National Security Courts,' testimony admitted under torture, the USA 'PATRIOT' Act, and Bush/Obama's illegal NSA wiretapping. By Lori Price, http://www.legitgov.org/ 21 Nov 2010 In the same week the US rightwing clamored for an invocation of civil rights, the same bloggers, pundits and office-holders were defending --nay, demanding -- military tribunals to replace civilian courts and insisting that testimony in such kangaroo courts military tribunals should be admitted under torture. This hypocritical outrage harkens to the summer of 2009, with armed Tea Party protesters yelping 'hands of my Medicare' while simultaneously decrying Obama's push for 'socialized medicine.'
Federal Judge: CIA Must Disclose Data on Human Experiments 17 Nov 2010 A federal magistrate judge in San Francisco ordered the CIA to produce specific records and testimony about the human experiments the government allegedly conducted on thousands of soldiers from 1950 through 1975. Three veterans groups and six individual veterans sued the CIA and other government agencies, claiming they used about 7,800 soldiers as human guinea pigs to research biological, chemical and psychological weapons. The experiments, many of which took place at Edgewood Arsenal and Fort Detrick in Maryland, allegedly exposed test subjects to chemicals, drugs and electronic implants.
President Obama to award George H.W. Bush the Presidential Medal of Freedom 17 Nov 2010 President Obama dropped a bipartisan bombshell today, announcing he will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom next year to ex-President George H.W. Bush. The magnanimous gesture of bestowing the nation’s highest civilian honor to the 41st U.S. President came a day after ex-President [sic] George W. Bush gave a respectful nod to Obama at the groundbreaking of his library in Dallas. [Mega barf alert *and* gag me with a chainsaw! Primary Obusha in 2012!]
Obama Rejects Push From Karzai to Reduce Raids in Afghan War 21 Nov 2010 Disagreements between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the U.S.-led allies over how the war should be pursued burst into the open at a coalition summit this weekend, with U.S. President Barack Obama rejecting Afghan demands to curtail raids and air strikes, and telling the Afghan leader he must listen to American concerns. Mr. Obama's unusually blunt remarks came after talks with Mr. Karzai in Lisbon, where the leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization endorsed a plan to hand over security responsibilities to Afghan forces across the country over the next four years.
Taliban vow to force NATO out before 2014 pullout --Spokesman says NATO will be unable to establish stable govt in Afghanistan by 2014 --Withdrawal plan 'sign of failure' 22 Nov 2010 The Taliban on Sunday vowed to force the US-led coalition to abandon Afghanistan before a 2014 date set by the alliance for handing over security responsibility to its allied Afghan forces. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a message emailed to the media that NATO would be unable to establish a stable government in Afghanistan by that date. They described NATO’s plan to withdraw combat troops by the end of 2014 as "irrational", reiterating their demand for all foreign troops to leave immediately or risk more bloodshed. [Well, the entire invasion/occupation is *irrational.*]
Vice President Biden on Afghanistan pullout: 2014 is the 'drop dead date' 19 Nov 2010 Just be patient, Joe Biden says. America's longest war will totally be over... in four years. The vice president declared 2014 as the "drop-dead date" for the Afghanistan pullout on Friday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," echoing similar sentiments from the night before on CNN. While it was never clear exactly when the U.S. would completely withdraw, President Obama had no sooner set July 2011 as the target withdrawal date than some of his key advisers publicly questioned how firm a deadline that really was.
Thousands march in London against Afghanistan war 20 Nov 2010 Anti-war demonstrators have taken to the streets of London calling for an end to the Afghanistan conflict. Thousands of protesters, led by military families, marched from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. Organisers of the Afghanistan Time to Go rally say the crowd was 10,000-strong at Trafalgar Square. The rally was organised by the Stop the War Coalition, CND and British Muslim Initiative.
Few Afghans know reason for war, new study shows 19 Nov 2010 Afghans in two crucial southern provinces are almost completely unaware of the September 11 attacks on the United States and don't know they precipitated the foreign intervention now in its 10th year, a new report showed on Friday. NATO leaders gathered in Lisbon for a summit on Friday where the transition from foreign forces -- now at about 150,000 -- to Afghan security responsibility will be at the top of the agenda, with leaders to discuss a 2014 target date set by Kabul.
Two Afghan bomb blasts claim 3 lives 20 Nov 2010 Two bomb explosions in eastern Afghanistan have left at least three civilians dead and more than 28 others injured, Afghan security officials say. A bomb hidden in a motorcycle exploded on Saturday in Mihtarlam city, the capital of Laghman province, the acting provincial governor Murtaza Qalandarzai told Press TV on the phone.
Iraq TV reporter gunned down in home: police 20 Nov 2010 Gunmen killed a young television news reporter in his home in the northern city of Mosul on Sunday, in the latest in a series of deadly attacks on journalists in Iraq, police said. Mazin Mardan, in his mid-20s, was a correspondent for Al-Mosuliyah satellite television channel, covering hard news and carrying out interviews for the city's local station. "Unknown gunmen [aka US death squads] aided the house of Mazin Mardan of Al-Mosuliyah satellite channel in the Al-Sadiq neighbourhood, east Mosul," police Major Mohammed al-Hayali said.
US soldier shot dead in Iraq 21 Nov 2010 While the Pentagon claims it has ended all combat operations in Iraq, an American soldier has lost his live in an "enemy" attack in the war torn country. The military said the serviceman died on Sunday after coming under the small arms attack but did not disclose the exact location of the incident, Reuters reported. The Army, however, said that the soldier had died during "advisory operations," AFP reported.
IDF soldiers demoted after convicted of Gaza war misconduct --Two combat soldiers found guilty of forcing 9-year-old Palestinian boy to open bags they thought could contain explosive materials. 21 Nov 2010 The Israel Defense Forces court on Sunday demoted two combat soldiers convicted of inappropriate conduct during Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip in 2008. The two Givati Brigade staff sergeants were demoted to the rank of sergeant, as well as receiving suspended sentence terms of three months each. The soldiers were convicted last month of forcing a 9-year-old Palestinian boy to open a number of bags they thought might contain explosive materials during Operation Cast Lead.
Germany Seeks Suspects in Terrorist Plots 21 Nov 2010 German law enforcement officials said on Saturday that they were looking for two suspected terrorists thought to be in or around the capital city in one of several investigations aimed at thwarting what the authorities believe are myriad plans by Islamic radicals to attack the nation. They have information that two men entered Germany six to eight weeks ago from Waziristan, in Pakistan, and were awaiting delivery of detonators, perhaps from Turkey, to carry out an attack, a German security official said. [Check Camp Peary. See: Fake bomb made in the US caused Germany terror alert 19 Nov 2010.]
Al Qaeda Promises U.S. Death By a 'Thousand Cuts' --Terror Group Boasts That Printer Bomb Cost Only $4200, Meant to Bleed U.S. Economy 21 Nov 2010 Printer bombs planted on two cargo flights last month cost only a few thousand dollars and were intended to affect the American economy, according to a newly published Al Qaeda-affiliated magazine. The attempt was called "Operation Hemorrhage," boasted the magazine, and the entire plot cost al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP the CIA, only $4,200.
Terrorists posing as refugees in Yemen 21 Nov 2010 Militants from war-torn Somalia are using refugee routes into Yemen as a cover for making contact with an al-Qaeda [al-CIAduh] group responsible for a series of plots against the West. Yemeni officials have claimed that members of the al-Shabaab terrorist group have been arrested in refugee camps for Somalis. The government fears that refugee camps such as Al-Kharaz, which now houses 18,000 out of an estimated 2-300,000 Somali refugees in Yemen, could become recruiting grounds for radicals.
TSA chief says no change in screening policy 21 Nov 2010 The head of the Transportation Security Administration on Sunday acknowledged that new full-body scanners and thorough pat-downs can be invasive and uncomfortable, but he said that the need to stay a step ahead of terrorists rules out changes in airport screening procedures. John Pistole told CNN's "State of the Union" that, despite the public uproar over new screening techniques, "we are not changing the policies" that he said were the best ways of keeping the traveling public safe.
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Prepared to Detain TSA Security Defiers --Deputies Could Be Called Upon for Those Who Resist Body Scanners, Pat Downs 19 Nov 2010 (FL) Deputies may detain Palm Beach International Airport travelers who refuse to submit to a full-body scanner or a pat down, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office confirmed Friday... If a person gets in line and refuses to go through the body scanner or submit to a pat down, he or she could be detained. A spokeswoman for the sheriff's office said deputies won't necessarily arrest those individuals. Instead, each call would be conducted on a case by case basis to determine if a search is warranted.
The 19 Senators Who Voted to Censor the Internet By Mike Masnick 18 Nov 2010 This is hardly a surprise but, this morning (as previously announced), the lame duck Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to move forward with censoring the internet via the COICA bill -- despite a bunch of law professors explaining to them how this law is a clear violation of the First Amendment. What's really amazing is that many of the same Senators have been speaking out against internet censorship in other countries, yet they happily vote to approve it here because it's seen as a way to make many of their largest campaign contributors happy.
FBI Investigates White Powder Mailed to 'DWTS' 20 Nov 2010 Emergency responders in Los Angeles were called to the offices of 'Dancing with the Stars' late Friday to investigate a white powder that was reportedly contained in a piece of fan mail addressed to Sarah Palin's daughter, the 20-year-old Alaskan who has remained in competition with 'DWTS' partner Mark Ballos despite poorly judged performances. The FBI told TMZ, "The L.A.P.D., L.A. City and FBI Hazardous Materials officials responded to a report of a threatening letter containing white powder."
Ireland forced to take EU and IMF bail-out package 22 Nov 2010 Ireland has accepted an EU and IMF bail-out thought to be worth up to £77 billion after emergency telephone conference talks. Ireland has finally been forced to take an economic bail-out from the European Union in a deal designed to save the euro. After a humiliating week of denying it needed help, the Dublin government succumbed to pressure from other euro zone countries and asked for a "very big" loan.
Eric Cantona's call for bank protest sparks online campaign --Thousands of French protesters have taken up the former Man United footballer's call for a mass cash withdrawal 21 Nov 2010 As students and public sector workers across Europe prepare for a winter of protests, they have been offered advice from the archetypal football rebel Eric Cantona... The 44-year-old former footballer recommended a run on the cash reserves of the world's banks during a newspaper interview that was also filmed. The interview has become aYouTube hit and has spawned a new political movement.
Three Banks Fail; Year's Total at 149 20 Nov 2010 U.S. regulators announced the failure of three more banks Friday amid continuing economic weakness across the country, bringing the total number for the year to 149, nine more than in all of 2009. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Friday said banks based in Carrabelle, Fla., Bala Cynwyd, Pa., and Burlington, Wis., failed.
AP: Raising retirement age hurts poor 18 Nov 2010 Government auditors say raising the retirement age for Social Security would hurt low-income workers and minorities, and mean more disability claims by older people who are unable to work. The projected spike in disability claims could end up hurting Social Security's finances. That's because disability benefits are typically higher than early retirement payments. The report by the Government Accountability Office provides fodder for advocates who are fighting a proposal by leaders of President Barack Obama's deficit [aka Cat Food] commission to increase the retirement age.
Hungry polar bears loiter on Hudson Bay coast waiting for ice 19 Nov 2010 Hundreds of polar bears were spotted on the west coast of Hudson Bay earlier this week, waiting for ice that is almost a month late forming. But a fierce storm in the region Thursday has temperatures dropping and ice forming, which could be good news for the bears. "It's just howling," Luc Desjardins, of the Canadian Ice Service, says of the storm that could change the fortunes of the hungry bears. Until the storm hit, record-breaking conditions in the western Arctic this fall had kept the ice at bay.
Tigers could be extinct in 12 years if unprotected 21 Nov 2010 Wild tigers could become extinct in 12 years if countries where they still roam fail to take quick action to protect their habitats and step up the fight against poaching, global wildlife experts told a "tiger summit" Sunday. The World Wildlife Fund and other experts say only about 3,200 tigers remain in the wild, a dramatic plunge from an estimated 100,000 a century ago. James Leape, director general of the World Wildlife Fund, told the meeting in St. Petersburg that if the proper protective measures aren't taken, tigers may disappear by 2022, the next Chinese calendar year of the tiger.
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From the Eagle Watch #93

Here's some painful and personal testimony from Kate Buchanan in Pennsylvania. Kate also researches the nuclear topic. Here she provides a lot of useful information to those opposing nuclear development anywhere. Her contact information is included so you can write directly to her.

Kittoh
<kittoh@storm.ca>

We welcome your feedback! Forward, post and consider printing for your cyberphobic friends and relatives.
The Eagle Watch Newsletter is sent to interested individuals, both Indigenous and nonNative, politicians especially the Canadian ones and an assortment of English language media.



Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2010 03:38:16 -0800 (PST)
From: Kabe <kabespir@yahoo.com>
Subject: Illness/Death & Nuclear Reactors (my personal testimony & inquiry)


Everyone here likely knows that I have "Hashimoto's Disease", diagnosed first in 1994 with a partial thyroid lobectomy, a mass the size of a 50 cent piece below my epiglotis, and a second surgery in Jan. 2000 which removed my entire thyroid, but was not malignant, and a new secondary diagnosis: Riedell Stroma. The second disease grew gangling growths into my cervical vetebrae and destroyed the discs in my neck. The growths can grow on any organ in me, anytime.

My Ear, Nose, & Throat Dr. had asked me where I had been "exposed to high levels of RADIATION".

Ok, I've had numerous X-rays, dental, all kinds of back and neck X-rays, and even had to swallow Radioactive capsules for a "spin" on a machine many years ago (name eludes me; pre MRI's). Recently, my 70-something friend's Dr. told her to AVOID any more X-rays, as the Radioactivity builds in the body over time and it's "half-life" is enduring for may many years.

That said, I decided to look into incidences of Radiation Exposure in Pennsylvania because my brother is now presenting with illnesses with similar "symptoms" to mine, yet different in some ways except for the back pain. He is having neurological problems, such as holding up his head. The Dr.'s are running tests galore and are unable to find the cause.

My findings in just ONE page tells alot:

http://www.radiation.org/press/pressreleaseThyroid100121.html

Press Release

For Immediate Release:
12:30 p.m. EST, January 21, 2010

Contacts:
Joseph J. Mangano
484-948-7965
Odiejoe@aol.com

THYROID CANCER EPIDEMIC FOUND IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
RADIATION FROM NUCLEAR PLANTS LINKED WITH DISEASE

Philadelphia, January 21, 2010 - Pennsylvania has the highest thyroid cancer rate of any U.S. state, and rates are especially high in the eastern part of the state, which has a large concentration of nuclear reactors, according to a new study released today.

From 2001-2005, the Pennsylvania thyroid cancer incidence rate was 44% above the U.S., according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the 18 U.S. counties with the highest rates, six are located in eastern Pennsylvania. There are 9 nuclear reactors in this area, the largest concentration in the U.S.

"Epidemic levels of thyroid cancer in eastern Pennsylvania suggest that radiation emitted by reactors may be driving up rates among local residents," says Joseph Mangano MPH MBA "because exposure to radiation is the only known cause of the disease." Mangano is Executive Director of the Radiation and Public Health Project research group, and author of the article published in the current International Journal of Health Services.

The research found that in the mid-1980s, Pennsylvania's thyroid cancer rate was 40% below the U.S. "Something occurred to change Pennsylvania's rate from low to high," says Mangano "and one of these possible factors is radiation from reactors."

"The findings shocked me," says Suzanne Litzenberger, a 30 year old thyroid cancer survivor from Allentown. "The fact that Lehigh County has the highest rate of any county in the United States means we need to find what's causing the disease and take action to lower future rates." The 2001-2005 thyroid cancer rate in Lehigh County is 21.4 cases per 100,000 persons, or 140% above the U.S. rate of 8.9.

"This research is further evidence that nuclear energy is a biological hazard that we cannot afford," states Judith Johnsrud PhD. Dr. Johnsrud directs the Environmental Coalition on Nuclear Power in State College PA.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland around the throat that produces hormones essential to physical and mental growth. Thyroid cancer has no known cause, other than exposure to radiation, especially radioactive iodine produced only in atomic bombs and nuclear reactors. Iodine particles enter bodies from breathing and food, seek out the thyroid gland, and attack cells, leading to cancer and other disorders.

Thyroid cancer is the fastest-increasing cancer in the U.S. It's rate has nearly tripled since 1980, and is rising sharply for all races, ages, and genders. About 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the condition this year; over 70% are between age 20 and 60. In Pennsylvania, the number of new cases has soared from 401 in 1985 to 2220 in 2007.

The nine nuclear reactors in eastern Pennsylvania are at Susquehanna in Luzerne County (2); Three Mile Island in Dauphin County (2); Peach Bottom in York County (3); and Limerick in Montgomery County (2). Seven are still operating, while two have shut down (including the Three Mile Island 2 reactor that melted down in 1979).

Reactors routinely emit low doses of radioactive iodine into local air and water. For decades, health authorities contended low dose exposures to radiation did not harm humans. But a 1999 study by the National Academy of Sciences found that up to 212,000 Americans developed thyroid cancer from radioactive iodine from above-ground atomic bomb tests in Nevada, which added low doses to the U.S. diet in the 1950s and 1960s.

New Jersey has the 5th highest thyroid cancer rate of all U.S. states. The three counties with the highest rates in the state are all in central New Jersey (Camden, Burlington, and Ocean). Ocean County is the site of the Oyster Creek nuclear reactor, which has operated for over 40 years, making it the oldest of the 104 U.S. reactors. Oyster Creek recently received authorization from federal regulators to operate for 20 more years.

The Radiation and Public Health Project is a non-profit research and education group of scientists and health professionals specializing in cancer risk from radiation exposure. The medical journal article on thyroid cancer is the 25th published by the group. Mangano says more studies on thyroid cancer and other thyroid disorders are planned.

Speakers at the event held at Philadelphia's City Hall included Mangano, Johnsrud, Litzenberger, and:Fred Winter MD, a Pottstown PA radiologist, and an expert in radiation health Lewis Cuthbert PhD, President, Alliance for a Clean Environment in Pottstown PA Matt Elliott, Associate with Environment New Jersey in Trenton NJ Eileen Collis, thyroid cancer survivor from Montgomery County PA Bonnie Polla, thyroid cancer survivor from Orefield PA

Advisory Board
Rosalie Bertell, PhD, GNSH
Samuel S. Epstein, MD
Agnes Reynolds, RN



Research Associates
William Reid, MD
Susanne Saltzman, MD
Janette Sherman, MD


Folks, Radiation Exposure is KILLING us here in PA as well as other places with Nuclear Reactors. My family lived in Eastern PA for about 30 years. We were in relative close proximity when Three Mile Island melted down, and they lied to us about how much Radiation was emmitted.

(Located on the Susquehanna River in Dauphin Co., near Middletown, PA on March 28, 1979, "Three Mile Island" had a meltdown)

Middletown is located less than five miles (8 km) away from the Three Mile IslandNuclear Power Plant. The Unit #2 reactor there suffered a partial meltdown in 1979, causing then-Governor Richard "Dick" Thornburgh to order the evacuation of pregnant women and pre-school children from the area. Within days, 140,000 people had left the area. [1] [2] The Mayor of Middletown, at the time, was Robert G. Reid [1], the first Black Mayor in Pennsylvania. Then President Jimmy Carter visited Middletown's Community Building to calm the nerves of anxious residents.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middletown,_Dauphin_County,_Pennsylvania

Map of the area & the PA government's version of what happened:
http://www.pahighways.com/features/threemileisland.html

On July 23, 1980, the "first human" entered the facility. (Story at above link)
Robots entered the core in 1985 to do the cleanup.
"The China Syndrome" movie about a similar meltdown of a nuclear reactor's core had debuted right before the "Incident".

Nuclear experts said the radiation in the facility was EIGHT times the deadly level, so strong that the radiation after passing through three foot concrete walls could still be measured a MILE away. They didn't evacuate the 650,000 people in the tri-STATE area at the time. Now, the official pahighways site states that Three Mile Island is "barely remembered" "folkore".

The question is begged, as proven by the cancer rate and thyroid disorders in PA & NJ:
"HOW MUCH RADIATION were people actually exposed to?"

With the rise in many "unexplained illnesses" here in PA that I personally know of (even relatively young people in wheeelchairs and disabled; professional people, not just looking for a Social Security/Disability claim, which one can hardly live on!), I think we were all exposed to HIGH LEVELS of RADIATION! I think the government is lying to us.

With the new Republican's controlling gov't here in the U. S. bent on MORE nuclear reactors, it is only a matter of time before another "China Syndrome"/Three Mile Island occurs. There are no real plans in place.

I truly believe that a Congressional hearing must take place and that all those with these disorders of the thyroid and the many who have dropped like flies from cancer, especially at young ages here in PA in particular, need to find out more, organize, and demand some answers stat!

This is my "take" or "testimony": I'll tell the same thing to Congressional leaders given a chance. I know that this short piece written here will require much more research and study. I will do it, if I live long enough!

Nuclear Power Plants worldwide:
[]

And, we haven't even discussed water quality, air & food which is affected by these Nuclear Reactors. Nor have we discussed Nuclear "testing".

I've lost just about all of my aunts, uncles, and even young cousins to Cancer & brain issues that were "undefined". Many of my extended family and friends are also dying or are sick with cancer or other mysterious maladies here in Pennsylvania. (and NJ). I'd like some "testimonies" from others who think that there is more to be uncovered as to WHY? people are dying from "strange" causes, or developing thyroid problems or cancer, as well as other diseases especially in places with Nuclear emmissions/reactors.

Thank you,

Kathie Buchanan, Pennsylvania, United States


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Indigenous Peoples organize climate action for Cancun summit

By Brenda Norrell
Photo: Michelle Cook, Navajo, Cochabamba, Bolivia 2010
http://narcosphere.narconews.com/notebook/brenda-norrell/2010/11/indigenous-
peoples-organize-climate-action-cancun-summit



As Indigenous Peoples prepare for the UN Climate Summit in Cancun,
Bolivia announced that the climate change efforts of Indigenous
Peoples in Cochabamba, Bolivia, resulted in the United Nations
establishing a “World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in 2014.”

Native people from the Americas are preparing to travel by caravans,
establish tent cities and organize marches in Mexico City and Cancun,
for the climate summit, Nov. 29 -- Dec. 10.

Far from being naïve about the official negotiations in Cancun and the
opposition of exploiting corporations and governments, Native people
are bringing their own media to broadcast their voices to the world.

The Indigenous Environmental Network will broadcast live, by way of
Earthcycles, http://www.earthcycles.net . In Cochabamba, IEN exposed
the fraud of carbon credits and REDD (Reducing Emissions from
Deforestation and Forest Degradation.) IEN led efforts to protect
forests, land, air and water, and uphold sovereign ancestral rights.

Ofelia Rivas, O’odham, is among the grassroots Indigenous Peoples from
the US/Mexico border who will take the voices of the people to Cancun.
Rivas was cochair of the Working Group on Indigenous Peoples in
Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Via Campesina announced Indigenous Peoples, farmers and their allies
are arriving in Cancun by caravans from throughout Mexico.

Via Campesina’s forum and mega-march takes place in Mexico City on
November 30. On December 2 in Cancun, Via Campesina opens the
national-international camp of Indigenous Peoples, farmers and their
allies. On December 4 to 10, at its camp, is the “Global Forum for the
Earth and for our Peoples: Environmental and Social Justice Now!” A
mega-march in Cancun takes place on December 7.

Meanwhile, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, said its initiatives
with climate change and Indigenous Peoples resulted in the United
Nations General Assembly approving by consensus a draft resolution
(A/C.3/65/L.22/Rev.1) in which countries agreed to hold a “World
Conference on Indigenous Peoples” in 2014.

The Conference, which will take place at the end of the Second
International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (2005 – 2014),
aims to exchange criteria for the fulfillment of the objectives of the
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The resolution aims at solutions to the problems faced by Indigenous
Peoples in areas including culture, education, health, human rights,
the environment, and socio-economic development.

The UN resolution makes reference to the first World People’s
Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, organized
by the Plurinational State of Bolivia in Cochabamba from April 20th to
22nd, 2010.

The UN resolution was co-sponsored by the following nations:
Argentina, Australia, Benin, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Finland, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Peru,
the Dominican Republic, Uruguay and the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela. Upon its adoption, the following were added: the United
States, Brazil, New Zealand, Canada, Italy, Estonia, Spain, Albania,
Chile, Greece, Congo, Armenia, Croatia, Cyprus, Paraguay and
Luxembourg.


--

Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com

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The presentation of the petitions is now going to be happening at around 10 AM! Please be there a little in advance to allow time to get through security. We are asking supporters to assemble by the eternal flame on Parliament Hill immediately after the presentation of the petitions. See below for more details.

#####

A CALL FOR SOLIDARITY IN OTTAWA: Come show support for unjustly convicted Ojibway man John Moore as his struggle against the racist criminal justice system reaches the floor of Parliament!

WHEN: Thursday, November 25, at 10 AM -- NEW TIME!

WHERE: Parliamentary gallery

WHAT: At around 10 AM on November 25, 2010, Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault and several other members of the NDP caucus will be presenting a petition in Parliament calling for the Department of Justice to order a judicial review of John Moore's unjust conviction for second degree murder in 1978. Moore's trials were tainted with systemic racism, and the law under which he was convicted was ruled unconstitutional in the late 1980s in another case. Yet Moore continues to bear the burden of the stigma of this conviction.

This is a pivotal moment in Moore's long fight for justice. He and supporters will be traveling from Sudbury to Ottawa for this event, to be visible and present in the gallery in Parliament while Thibeault presents the petition. We are also planning to hold a brief gathering outside on Parliament Hill after the presentation of the petitions. Come join us!

Those of us coming from Sudbury will be in the MP's gallery. We are asking supporters in Ottawa to assemble in the public gallery -- the presentation will most likely be happening at around 10 am and it may take a some time to get through security, so plan on being there a little early. We cannot reserve spaces in the public gallery so we cannot guarantee that there will be room for everyone, but there is likely to be plenty of space and we are eager for as strong a show of support as possible. After the petition has been presented, we are asking people to assemble outside on Parliament Hill by the eternal flame where we will have a short event, including several speakers and perhaps some music. For more information, please email scottneigh@sympatico.caor call 705-688-8694.

BACKGROUND: John Moore, an Ojibway man from Serpent River First Nation, was convicted of second degree murder in 1978. This happened despite the fact that he was not present when the crime was committed and had no role whatsoever in perpetrating it, and was based solely on him having spent time earlier that day with the individuals who committed the crime. His trials were tainted with systemic racism. The law under which he was convicted was ruled unconstitutional in the late 1980s in another case, and no one would be convicted under similar circumstances today. Yet Moore continues to bear the burden of the stigma of this conviction. He must regularly report to a parole officer and must ask permission if he wishes to leave the city of Sudbury, Ontario, which is impeding his freedom of movement and his capacity to find meaningful work.

Moore has been actively involved in struggles for social justice in Sudbury for many years. Over the last several months, Moore and supporters in Sudbury, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver have collected over 3000 signatures on a petition asking the Department of Justice to order a judicial review of his conviction. On November 25, 2010, all of this organizing work will reach the national stage. It is crucial that Moore have as many supporters present as possible.

For more background information on Moore's struggle for justice, see <http://www.facebook.com/l/f946cEwKWcAP34IpwgIoyDPRiZQ;justiceandfreedomforjohnmoore.blogspot.com/>.

To contact the Justice and Freedom for John Moore committee, please emailsudburyawo@gmail.com or scottneigh@sympatico.ca or call 705-688-8694.

To join the Justice for John Moore Facebook group, go to <http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=179780527688&ref=nf>.
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How Corporate America Is Pushing Us All Off a Cliff ...a letter from Michael Moore
Friday, November 19th, 2010
Friends,
When someone talks about pushing you off a cliff, it's just human nature to be curious about them. Who are these people, you wonder, and why would they want to do such a thing?
That's what I was thinking when corporate whistleblower Wendell Potter revealed that, when "Sicko" was being released in 2007, the health insurance industry's PR firm, APCO Worldwide, discussed their Plan B: "Pushing Michael Moore off a cliff."
But after looking into it, it turns out, it's nothing personal! APCO wants to push everyone off a cliff.
APCO was hatched in 1984 as a subsidiary of the Washington, D.C. law firm Arnold & Porter -- best known for its years of representing the giant tobacco conglomerate Philip Morris. APCO set up fake "grassroots" organizations around the country to do the bidding of Big Tobacco. All of a sudden, "normal, everyday, in-no-way-employed-by-Philip Morris Americans" were popping up everywhere. And it turned out they were outraged -- outraged! -- by exactly the things APCO's clients hated (such as, the government telling tobacco companies what to do). In particular, they were "furious" that regular people had the right to sue big corporations...you know, like Philip Morris. (For details, see the 2000 report "The CALA Files" (PDF) by my friends and colleagues Carl Deal and Joanne Doroshow.)
Right about now you may be wondering: how many Americans get pushed off a cliff by Big Tobacco every year? The answer is 443,000 Americans die every year due to smoking. That's a big cliff.
With this success under their belts, APCO created "The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition." TASSC, funded partly by Exxon, had a leading role in a planned campaign by the fossil fuel industry to create doubt about global warming. The problem for Big Oil speaking out against global warming, according to the campaign's own leaked documents, was that the public could see the "vested interest" that oil companies had in opposing environmental laws. APCO's job was to help conceal those oil company interests.
And boy, have they ever succeeded. Polls now show that, as the world gets hotter, Americans are getting less and less worried about it.
How big is this particular cliff? According to the World Health Organization, climate change contributes -- right now -- to the deaths of 150,000 people every year. By 2030 it may be double that. And after that...well, the sky is literally the limit! I don't think it's crazy to say APCO may rack up even bigger numbers here than they have with tobacco.
With this track record, you can see why, when the health insurance industry wanted to come after "Sicko," they went straight to APCO. The "worst case," as their leaked documents say, was that "Sicko evolves into a sustained populist movement." That simply could not be allowed to happen. Something obviously had to be done.
As Wendell Potter explains, APCO ran their standard playbook, setting up something called "Health Care America." Health Care America, according to Potter, "was received by mainstream reporters, including the New York Times, as a legitimate organization when it was nothing but a front group set up by APCO Worldwide. It was not anything approaching what it was reporting to be: a 'grassroots organization.' It was a sham group."
Health Care America showed up online in 2007 (the year "Sicko" was released) and disappeared quickly by early 2008. You can still find their website archived here. As you'll see, their "moderated forum" allowed normal, everyday, in-no-way-employed-by-the-insurance-industry Americans to speak out. For instance, here's something Nicole felt very strongly about:
"Moore shouldn't be allowed to call his film a 'documentary.' It should be called a political commercial. We need to fix our health care system, but we shouldn’t accept a Hollywood moviemaker’s political views as the starting point."
Here's what Wendell Potter revealed about the insurance industry's media strategy:
"As we would do the media training, we would always have someone refer to him as 'Hollywood entertainer' or 'Hollywood moviemaker Michael Moore.' They don't want you to think that it was a documentary that had some truth."
Thanks for your perspective, "Nicole"!
Now, how big was THAT cliff? A pretty good size -- according to a recent study, 45,000 Americans die every year because they don't have health insurance.
And here we are in 2010. A lesser PR firm might be resting on its laurels at this point, content to sit back and watch hundreds of thousands of people continue to be pushed off the various cliffs they've built. But not APCO! Right now they've taken on their biggest challenge yet: leading a giant, multi-million dollar effort to help Wall Street "earn back the trust of the American people."
We may never know the size of this particular cliff. But we can be sure it's gigantic. According to the New York Times, one of the things Wall Street's recession gave us is "the crippling of the government program that provides life-sustaining antiretroviral drugs to Americans with H.I.V. or AIDS who cannot afford them." Internationally, organizations fighting AIDS and other diseases are "hugely afraid" of cutbacks in funding.
Of course, there are the 101 ways recessions kill quietly. For instance, children's hospitals are seeing a sharp 55% rise in the abuse of babies by parents.
And that's just the previous cliff. If APCO and its Wall Street co-conspirators lull us into turning our backs on them again, we can be sure the next cliff -- the next crash -- will be much bigger.
Anyway, this is all just a way for me to say to APCO: No hard feelings! My getting mad at you would be like a chicken who's still happily pecking away getting mad at McDonald's. Compared to the millions you've already turned into McNuggets, you've actually treated me much, much BETTER! Spying on my family, planting smears and lies about me, privately badgering movie critics to give the film a poor review, scaring Americans into believing they'd be committing a near-act of treason were they to go to the theater and see my movie -- hey, ya done good, health insurance companies of America. And, most important, you stopped the nation from getting true universal health care. Good job!
There's only one problem -- I'm not one of those "liberals" you fund in Congress, the ones who fear your power.
I'm me. And that, sadly, is not good for you.
Yours in good health,
Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
MichaelMoore.com
P.S. It seems to me that APCO's discussion of pushing me off a cliff should legitimately be part of theirWikipedia page. And why not something about their role in Wall Street's new PR offensive? So I'm asking everyone interested to write something up that meets Wikipedia's guidelines and help bring the APCO Worldwide entry up to date. Post it somewhere online and send a tweet about it to @mmflint. I'll award a signed copy of "Sicko" by noon Sunday to the best entry...and then deputize you to post it on Wikipedia for real and make sure APCO's minions don't take it down. Just be sure afterward not to walk near any cliffs!
P.P.S. The late, great comedian Bill Hicks had some thoughts about marketing and the people who do it.
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New SPLC Video Helps Law Enforcement Identify Extremists
SPLC has produced a new training video to alert law enforcement to the dangers of the antigovernment "sovereign citizens" movement. The threat posed by these extremists exploded in the spring when two West Memphis police officers were murdered by a father-son team of sovereigns during a traffic stop. 55,000 copies of the video are being distributed free of charge to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Lawsuit wins justice for shackled 6-year-old
SPLC has won another victory for children in the Deep South. We sued the Louisiana Recovery School District (RSD) on behalf of a first-grader who was handcuffed and shackled at school. The settlement reached with the RSD prohibits this treatment in its schools and all school security personnel will receive formal training.
SPLC Suit Exposes Inhumane Conditions at For-Profit Youth Prison
SPLC filed a federal class-action lawsuit against a for-profit Mississippi youth correctional facility to stop the inhumane treatment of children. According to the lawsuit, the children live in barbaric conditions and are subject to horrific sexual and physical abuse. This suit is another step in our ongoing fight to reform the juvenile justice system in the Deep South.
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Help Secure Release of 192 Idaho Mustangs

American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign
November 18, 2010
Tell BLM to Release All Captured Saylor Creek Wild Horses: Take Easy Action by Nov. 22
BLM is taking public comments on whether to return Idaho mustangs, rounded up after wild fire, to range
In August 2010, BLM rounded up the entire herd of 192 wild horses living in the Saylor Creek Herd Management Area in southern Idaho, after a wildfire burned a portion of their home range. Now the agency is taking public comments on a potential release plan.The preferred action will return fewer than 40 percent of the horses to the range. Meanwhile, livestock grazing will be allowed to continue at current levels, with approximately 16 times more forage allocated to livestock than wild horses.

Tell BLM to release all the Saylor Creek horses back to the range. Take Easy Action by November 22.
Meet General and Commander, Still Together After BLM Calico Roundup Ordeal
These two elder stallions were captured on January 16, 2010 from the Warm Springs Herd Management Area in Nevada's Calico Complex. Now they are part of Return to Freedom's Calico rescue project.


General is a band stallion and Commander is his loyal companion.They have remained together throughout their long ordeal - from the BLM helicopter stampede that drove them out of their homeland in the magnificent Black Rock Desert, to the feedlot-like conditions of BLM's short-term holding facility, and now to their temporary quarters where they await creation of Return to Freedom's wild horse preserve. Read more and help Return to Freedom get General and Commander back home.

BLM Publishes FY 2011 Roundup Schedule: ~11,000 Mustangs Targeted Removal
Despite calls for reform, BLM is pressing ahead with an aggressive roundup schedule, in which 10,746 more wild horses will be permanently removed from the Western range.


The majority of these horses will be sent to government holding facilities, where they will join the estimated 40,000 wild horses already warehoused at a cost to taxpayers of $50 million this year. In the coming weeks, we will be organizing public outreach to Congress to demand accountability and reform of the BLM's costly and inhumane wild horse and burro program. Getting as many friends and family involved in this process is critical as we will be competing with many issues for our legislators' attention. The more voices we have for the mustangs, the more likely we are to be heard. Stay tuned. . . . AWHPC Founding Sponsor 14 Hands Wines: Advocacy Sponsor
Teresa Anahuy
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Native leader remembered as 'force for change'
Funeral: Hundreds attend funeral service for former chief Noah Augustine
METEPENAGIAG FIRST NATION - Hundreds of mourners filled St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in this tight-knit aboriginal community on Thursday morning, as dignitaries, family and friends paid their last respects to First Nations leader Noah Augustine.

Pall bearers carry the casket of Noah Augustine from the St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Red Bank, on Thursday. Augustine, a prominent aboriginal activist and former chief of the Metepenagiag First Nation, was killed when his 2009 Dodge Ram left the road last Saturday night and struck a tree before going down an embankment.
Click to Enlarge
Photo: Glen Vienneau/For the Telegraph-Journal
Roy Whiteduck of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation spends a quiet moment remembering his former roommate, Noah Augustine, at the site of the crash that claimed Augustine's life last Saturday. Augustine's funeral was held Thursday afternoon.

The 39-year-old former Metepenagiag First Nation chief and native rights activist, who died in a traffic crash on Saturday night, was remembered as a kind father, loving husband and a "force for change."

Every pew in the old wooden church was filled with family, First Nations chiefs from across New Brunswick and other dignitaries, including Premier David Alward, Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nicholas, Senator Sandra Lovelace Nicholas and former MP Bud Bird, with whom Augustine had co-founded a business liaison group to bring First Nations together with New Brunswick business people.

The church hall next door, where the service was broadcast on a video screen, was also filled to capacity with some mourners standing outside in the cold November wind as they strained to listen to the funeral.

"He was a tireless ambassador for this community and First Nation peoples everywhere," said Richard Lang, a close friend who delivered the eulogy.

At 11 a.m. just as the church bells chimed, the hearse arrived behind an RCMP escort cruiser. Soon afterward, pallbearers carried the coffin inside and then down the aisle.

In a sombre procession, Augustine's common-law wife, Micheline Léger, and other family members took their seats at the front of the church as a handful of First Nation chiefs, including Jesse Simon from Elsipogtog, Candice Paul from St. Mary's and George Ginnish from Eel Ground, filed in as well.

Honorary pallbearers included former New Brunswick MLA and cabinet minister T.J. Burke, who described Augustine as someone whose leadership style he admired.

The hour-long funeral service, presided over by Father Curtis Sappier, included Scripture reading, the singing of How Great Thou Art in the Mi'kmaq language, as well as the playing of a recording of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

Some mourners quietly cried during the funeral service.

Augustine, who grew up in Metepenagiag First Nation, formerly Red Bank, held various leadership positions over the years, including chief of Metepenagiag First Nation until May of 2010, president of the Union of New Brunswick Indians and co-chair of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs.

He had garnered national attention back in the 1990s when he brought native groups together to fight for aboriginal logging rights in New Brunswick.

But shortly afterward, he was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Eel Ground resident Bruce Barnaby in September 1998.

A jury later acquitted him.

At the funeral on Thursday, it was perhaps the words of a young son saying good-bye to his father that most poignantly captured the loss that will be felt by people whose lives were touched by Augustine.

"My father was a great man," Zachary Simonson, 18, told those in attendance as he stood at the front of the church.

The teenager, dressed in a dark suit while closely resembling and sounding like his father, read a poem written by Augustine.

The poem, entitled Child of a Burning Legacy, begins with "I was born on an Indian reservation" and provides a stark insight into what were some of Augustine's struggles as a First Nations man trying to do right by his people.

"I've fought battles no man has ever won, And I've lost like the rest of them," were Augustine's own words.

Simonson then read a poem he'd written for his father.

That poem, entitled The Man Amidst the Flame, movingly begins the same way as his father's poem: "I was born on an Indian reservation" and ends with a hopeful line: "And the Man amidst the flame has new dreams to share."

Augustine's daughter, Chelsea Karasak, 12, also read a poem, entitled Choices, that she'd written for her father.

"I'm happy to say my daddy made many right choices," she said.

During the ceremony, there was no mention of the deadly crash that took Augustine's life at around 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, when he lost control of his Dodge truck, which struck a tree and then crashed down a steep embankment near Metepenagiag First Nation.

Police say alcohol and speed were factors in the crash and that Augustine wasn't wearing a seatbelt.

A passenger who was travelling with him in the truck is recovering from injuries. Police haven't released that person's name to the public.

At the funeral, longtime friend Timmy O'Shea spoke of the close bond he shared with Augustine since the two were in high school. He referenced his friend's strong will, which, while allowing him to accomplish amazing things, was also what made him not listen "when he needed to the most.

"Noah was a great guy. Rest in peace, buddy," O'Shea said.

Following the interment, which took place alongside the church, the lieutenant-governor, a First Nations member from Tobique, told reporters he was "deeply moved" by Augustine's poem and proposed that it be read in schools for children to learn from the words.

"They were inspiring words," he said. "If they would read these words in our classrooms for our kids, who knows what the future will be?"

Nicholas said he'd known the aboriginal leader since he was his student at St. Thomas University; the two had also crossed paths often over the years.

"Everybody knows he was a visionary," Nicholas said. "The other thing is that he inspired a lot of young people. I think the next generation of young children, future leaders, will see something in that."

While it may be too soon to see clearly what Augustine's legacy will be, Nicholas said, the opening of the Heritage Park at Metepenagiag First Nation, which shows the history of the Mi'kmaq people, is one of his most important contributions.

"To me, that is a big thing in terms of the identity of our people and to encourage others to come here and learn the history," he said.

Elsipogtog First Nation Chief Jesse Simon said Augustine will be missed.

"It's always hard to lose a leader, but it's even harder to lose a friend," he said.

Simon said the two worked closely as chiefs and became close friends.

"We were the young guns coming in," he said, with a laugh. "He would be pretty happy with the turnout here. He enjoyed people getting together so in a way, it's a celebration of his rebirth elsewhere ... The work that he's done will carry on.
Posted By: TjMaxx Henhawk
To: Members in First Nations & Aboriginal Rights
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Buffalo Field Campaign

Yellowstone Bison
Update from the Field
November 18, 2010

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.


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* Update from the Field
* VIDEO: A Night With the Buffalo
* Holiday Gift Idea: Wild Bison 2011 Calendars
* The Evolution of Migration
* Last Words
* By the Numbers
* Helpful Links

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* Update from the Field

"The Last Wild Buffalo Hunt to be Held in America." Historic archive image. Click herefor larger image.

The annual migration of wild bison advocates is in full swing as people converge from the four directions upon Buffalo Field Campaign Headquarters near West Yellowstone, Montana. For a decade and a half BFC volunteer patrols have been documenting the management of America's last wild bison in the field and working to protect the bison and their habitat. As our 2010-2011 field season gets underway this week, nearly a foot of snow has fallen here just outside Yellowstone's western boundary, hinting of a heavy winter and a challenging time for migrating bison. Winter herself is a formidable enough challenger, yet wild buffalo face a far greater danger from a cattle industry-driven management plan designed to keep Montana's landscape bereft of wild bison through hazing, shooting, capture, and slaughter.

In addition to the management plan, the annual Montana bison "hunt" began November 15 and will last through February 15, 2011. It is the only hunt of an ecologically extinct species and one of the longest-running hunts of any wildlife species in the state. As of this writing there are no wild bison in Montana and BFC patrols haven't observed any approaching the ecologically meaningless Yellowstone/Montana border. Wild bison are not allowed year-round access to their habitat in Montana and they are chased from or killed upon their native ground by the hundreds every spring. As if the management plan weren't bad enough on its own, any buffalo that migrate into Montana prior to February 15 will be shot by hunters. Under the unique bison hunting regulations, the more buffalo that migrate into the state, the more tags Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) will issue to kill them.

FWP's hunt regulations boldly state that one of the main objectives of the hunt is to "control bison in Montana" to address the scientifically unfounded and wildly exaggerated fears of Montana's livestock industry that native bison threaten cattle with the disease brucellosis. Wild bison have never transmitted this disease--which cattle originally carried to the Americas--to livestock. Elk, believed to have transmitted brucellosis to cattle, are allowed to enter and exit Montana year-round with out being subject, as the buffalo are, to intrusive government actions.

But this is about to change. Under pressure from the livestock industry Montana recently announced plans to capture and test up to 500 cow elk for brucellosis exposure. Exposure is no indicator of infection, and elk and bison often develop resistance to the disease. Unlike bison, who are killed when they test positive, none of the captured elk will be sent to slaughter regardless of the test results. This is yet one more contradiction belying Montana's anti-buffalo prejudice.

Buffalo Field Campaign believes that efforts to prevent the spread of livestock diseases, including brucellosis, should be directed at livestock. Anyone familiar with the history of the American West will recognize the slaughter and harassment of Yellowstone bison and elk as the latest battles in a centuries-old range war. Brucellosis is used by the livestock industry to sway public opinion against wild bison (and now elk), to control their movements, and to keep their habitat open to cattle.

As the snow piles up outside the BFC cabin we are making ready for another winter, our 14th in the field. As Montana and the federal government prepare to waste our tax dollars to harass and kill native elk and bison, we draw strength and prepare to protect the bison and elk in the field, the courts, the legislatures, and in the media.

But we can't do it without you. Join BFC on the front lines this season, support our work, contact your members of Congress, the media, and everyone you know, to urge their help for America's last wild buffalo.

ROAM FREE!

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*VIDEO: A Night With the Buffalo

While Mike and Noah were traveling the west coast on BFC's 2010 Road Show, they met up with the B-Media Collective, a "Portland based video art collective that stands in solidarity with local and global people's movements through the socialization, documentation, creation, and exchange of media between communities in the global north and south." In support of BFC's work, the B Media Collective took BFC's video footage, and created a Road Show video to help spread the word. Watch this 10-minute piece, A Night With the Buffalo, here.
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* Holiday Gift Idea: 2011 Wild Bison Calendars



You, your friends, family, and colleagues can celebrate wild bison 365 days a year with this breathtaking calendar featuring the photos of BFC supporters and volunteers. These calendars make terrific gifts, so get your 2011 Wild Bison Calendar while they last!

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* The Evolution of Migration

BFC, other genuine bison advocates, and First Nations buffalo cultures know that actions taken against the last wild, migrating population of American buffalo - under the Interagency Bison Management Plan and Montana's so-called bison hunt - pose a serious threat to their migratory instincts. By killing and harassing the animals that are first to migrate, and by chasing buffalo off of their chosen ground in the midst of their migration, the U.S. and Montana government is slowly - and knowingly - aiming to diminish this instinct that is so critical to the wild integrity and ecological influence of buffalo. To help illustrate this point, we wanted to share this important article with you, "How Mass Migration Might Have Evolved," which appeared in Wired Science in the early fall. Parting encouragement here is that wild bison *do* still migrate, and adds significant strength to why it is so important to protect America's last wild buffalo.

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* Last Words

"Bison in Yellowstone National Park carry bacteria that cause a disease known as brucellosis or bang's disease. The disease-causing bacteria can be transmitted from bison to cattle. If domestic cattle are infected, there are negative effects to individual cattle producers in the form of a loss of production, loss of markets, and costly preventative measures, including vaccination. Brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park bison is one of the primary reasons that attempts are being made to control bison in Montana."

~ Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Bison Hunt Regulations 2010. This cattle-based propaganda language demonstrates that FWP is catering to livestock interests with this this so-called hunt, and is using it as another tool to keep wild buffalo out of Montana. Read the full bison hunt regulations here.

Do you have submissions for Last Words? Send them to bfc-media@wildrockies.org. Thank you all for the poems, songs and stories you have been sending; you'll see them here!

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* By the Numbers

AMERICAN BUFFALO ELIMINATED from the last wild population in the U.S.
2010-2011 Total: 0

2010-2011 Slaughter: 0
2010-2011 Hunt: 0
2010-2011 Quarantine: 0
2010-2011 Shot by Agents:
2010-2011 Highway Mortality: 0

2009-2010 Total: 7
2008-2009 Total: 22
2007-2008 Total: 1,631
Total Since 2000: 3,709*
*includes lethal government action, quarantine, hunts, highway mortality
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Media & Outreach
Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
406-646-0070
bfc-media@wildrockies.org
http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

BFC is the only group working in the field every day
in defense of the last wild buffalo population in the U.S.


KEEP BFC ON THE FRONTLINES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TODAY

Join Buffalo Field Campaign -- It's Free!

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Take Action!


-- ROAM FREE!

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--
"When crazy people call you crazy, you know you're sane.
When evil people call you evil, you know that you are a good person.
When lairs call you a liar, you know that you are truthful.
Know who you are and don't let others tell you who you are." - Dave Kitchen

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